Food tray

ABSTRACT

A tray comprises a panel provided with a trough at its center, in which in use the trough is disposed between a seated user&#39;s legs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a tray, for use particularly but not exclusively, to be placed on the lap and to carry food.

Conventional food trays comprise a flat panel, sometimes with a side wall around the edges to prevent items falling from the tray. Such trays can be positioned on the lap when the user is seated.

However, these trays are traditionally used in a domestic setting, and are too bulky and inconvenient to take with you, and to use, when traveling by car or train.

Yet, on long journeys it is common to eat on the move. In these circumstances a traditional tray as described above would not be suitable due to the confined space in a driving cabin or a train carriage. In addition, during driving a driver's legs move when the petals are operated, which could lead to a conventional flat tray falling off their lap.

The present invention is intended to overcome some of the above problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, according to the present invention a tray comprises a panel provided with a trough at it center, in which in use the trough is disposed between a seated user's legs.

Preferably the tray can be collapsible. In one construction the tray can be provided with a first hinge line extending from the center of a first side of the panel to the center of a second side of the panel which is opposite to the first side and a second hinge line and a third hinge line on either side of the first hinge line and spaced apart from, parallel to and the same length as the first hinge line. The first hinge line can fold in one direction and the second and third hinge lines can fold in the opposite direction. With this arrangement the tray can be arranged as a panel with a triangular trough at its center with the first hinge line is folded approximately 90 degrees, and the other two hinge lines are folded approximately 45 degrees. In addition, the tray can be folded up when the first, second and third hinge lines are folded approximately 180 degrees.

The trough feature performs two basic functions. Firstly, food can be placed in the trough in use, where it can be safely contained if the user is traveling in a vehicle and is subject to movement. Secondly, the trough prevents the tray from falling from the user's lap, because it rests between the user's legs, where it can also be gripped if necessary.

In a preferred construction a fourth hinge line can extend from a first end of the second hinge line to a first point on the first hinge line which is spaced from the first side, and a fifth hinge line can extend from a first end of the third hinge line to the first point. In addition, a sixth hinge line can extend from a second end of the second hinge line to a second point on the first hinge line which is spaced from the second side, and a seventh fold line can extend from a second end of the third hinge line to the second point. The first hinge line can also be divided into a first side section, a center section and a second side section by the first and second points, and the first side section and the second side section can fold in one direction, and the center section can fold in the opposite direction. With this arrangement the trough is formed from six surface portions which define a generally triangular trough with convex end walls.

In a preferred construction the tray can comprise an octagonal panel, in which the second hinge line and the third hinge line are spaced apart the distance of a first side, such that the second hinge line extends from a first end of the first side to the first end of a second side opposite to the first side, and the third hinge line extends from a second end of the first side to a second end of the second side, and in which the first side and the second side are longer in length than the other sides of the octagonal shape.

Preferably an eighth hinge line can extend from the center of a third side which is normal to the first side, to the center of a fourth side which is opposite to the third side, and in which, in use, the eighth hinge line facilitates the folding in half of the panel when it is folded up. The eighth hinge line is split into four sections by the first, second and third hinge lines, and when the tray is unfolded and assumes the shape of a panel with a trough at its center, the eighth hinge line cannot be folded. However, the eighth hinge line facilitates the folding in half of the panel when it is in folded arrangement as described above.

When the panel is folded up as described above it forms a four sides shape, which is basically a triangle with one corner removed. The panel can be so dimensioned that when it is completely folded up, the triangle shape is approximately equal to, or smaller than, the size of a regular triangular sandwich. Therefore, the first hinge line can be approximately 23 cm in length, the fourth hinge line, the fifth hinge line, the sixth hinge line and the seventh hinge line can be approximately 12 cm in length, and the distance between the second hinge line and the third hinge line can be approximately 17.6 cm in length.

The third and fourth side, and the remaining fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth sides can be provided with collapsible side walls which can take the form of tabs extending from those sides which can be arranged at 90 degrees to the sides.

In a further embodiment the tray can be provided with a bib portion which extends from the second side, by means of a ninth hinge line, and rests against the user's midriff or chest, in use. The bib portion can be provided with hinge lines which mirror at least the first, sixth and seventh hinge lines, such that when the ninth hinge line is folded 180 degrees in use, the bib portion can be folded and unfolded with the panel. The bib portion can also be of such length that when it is folded flat against the panel it also requires hinge lines to mirror the, second, third, fourth and fifth hinge lines.

An adhesive tab can be provided an the bib portion to provide a temporary fixture to the user's clothing in use.

A loose napkin or paper towel can be provided with the tray and can be dimensioned to fit between the first hinge line and the second and third hinge lines when the tray is folded up.

In a preferred construction the tray can comprise a panel constructed from a card or paper based material, and in which the hinge line comprise fold lines in the card or paper. It will be appreciated that this represents the easiest mode of construction, but the invention also includes the use of other appropriate materials, for example wood or plastics materials, in which known hinges of any suitable type are used to facilitate the folding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be performed in various ways, but two embodiments will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a tray according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is top view of the tray shown in FIG. 1 in a first arrangement;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the tray shown in FIG. 2 in a second arrangement;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a second tray according to the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a top view of the second tray shown in FIG. 4 in a first arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIG. 2, a tray 1 comprises a panel 2, provided with a trough 3 at its center, in which in use the trough 3 is disposed between a seated user's legs (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 1, the tray 1 comprises an octagonal panel 2, which is constructed from a foldable card material. Therefore, all the hinge lines as mentioned above are represented by fold lines in the card material.

A first fold line 4 extends from the center 5 of a first side 6 to the center 7 of a second side 8 which is opposite to the first side 6. A second fold line 9 extends from a first end 10 of the first side 6 to a first end 11 of the second side 8 which is opposite to the first end 10 of the first side 6. A third fold line 12 extends from a second end 13 of the first side 6 to a second end 14 of the second side 8.

A fourth fold line 15 extends from the first end 10 of the first side 6 to a first point 16 approximately a third of the way along the first fold line 4 from the first side 6. A fifth fold line 17 extends from the second end 13 of the first side 6 to the point 16. A sixth line 18 extends from the first end 11 of the second side 8 to a second point 19 approximately a third of the way along the first fold line 4 from the second side 8. A seventh fold line 20 extends from the second end 14 of the second side 8 to the second point 19.

The first fold line 4 is split into three sections, a first side section 21, a center section 22 and a second side section 23. The first side section 21 and the second side section 23 can fold in one direction, while the center section 22 can fold in the opposite direction.

An eight fold line 24 extends from a third side 25 which is normal to the first side 6, to a fourth side 26 which is opposite to the third side 25. The eighth fold line 24 is split into four sections by the first 4, second 9 and third 12 fold lines, and when the tray is unfolded and assumes the shape of a panel with a trough at its center, as shown in FIG. 2, the eighth fold line 24 cannot be folded. However, the eighth fold line 24 facilitates the folding in half of the panel 2 when it is in its folded arrangement as described below.

The first side 6 and the second side 8 are longer than the other sides of the octagon.

Prior to use, the panel 2 is folded up to the arrangement shown in FIG. 3. The center section 22 of the first fold line 4 is folded through 180 degrees, and as a result the first side section 21, the second side section 23, the fourth 15, fifth 17, sixth 18 and seventh 20 fold lines are also folded through 180 degrees. The second 9 and third 12 fold lines are then folded through 180 degrees. Finally, the eighth fold line 24 is folded through 180 degrees.

The panel 2 is dimensioned such that when it is in the folded arrangement as shown in FIG. 3, it is equal to or less than the size of a regular triangular sandwich, such that it can be contained in, or attached to the side or a regular triangular sandwich package. To facilitate this feature the first fold line 4 is 23 cm in length, the fourth 15, fifth 17, sixth 18 and seventh 19 fold lines are 12 cm in length, and the distance between the second 9 and third 12 fold lines is 17.6 cm in length.

For use, the user unfolds the eighth fold line 24, then holds the panel adjacent the third 25 and the fourth 26 sides and pulls until the panel assumes the position as shown in FIG. 2. The first fold line 4 has been unfolded approximately 90 degrees, and the third 9 and the fourth 12 fold lines have been unfolded approximately 135 degrees until portions 27 and 28 of the panel are approximately parallel and level. The user places portions 27 and 28 on their upper thighs, and the trough 3 is positioned between their legs. The user can then use the tray 1 to carry food, and generally perform the functions of a tray.

After use the panel can be folded up again in a reverse of the above described procedure, or simply disposed of.

In FIGS. 4 and 5 a second tray 30 comprises a main panel 31 which generally functions in the same manner as panel 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but which has a bib portion 32 attached to it, and side walls 33. The same reference numerals used in FIGS. 1 and 2 for the fold lines and sides of the panel are used in FIGS. 4 and 5.

The bib portion 32 extends from the second side 8, which in tray 30 becomes ninth fold line 34. The bib portion is provided with numerous fold lines, which are an identical lay-out to those of the main panel 31, such that when the ninth fold line 34 is folded through 180 degrees, and the bib portion 32 disposed on top of the main panel 31, the bib portion 32 and the main panel 31 can be folded up together.

The main panel 31 is also provided with side walls 33, which can be folded through 90 degrees to form side walls to the panel 31 in use.

Prior to use, the panel 31 is folded up to the arrangement shown in FIG. 3. Ninth fold line 34 is folded through 180 degrees as described above, and the side walls 33 are folded through 180 degrees so they are also on top of the main panel 31. (Third side 25, fourth side 26, fifth side 35 and sixth side 36 of the octagonal shape are formed as fold lines on panel 31 by virtue of the side walls 33 extending therefrom). The panel 31 then assumes the dimensions of panel 2 as shown in FIG. 2.

The center section 22 of the first fold line 4 is then folded through 180 degrees, and as a result the first side section 21, the second side section 23, the fourth 15, fifth 17, sixth 18 and seventh 20 fold lines are also folded through 180 degrees. The second 9 and third 12 fold lines are then folded through 180 degrees. Finally, the eighth fold line 24 is folded through 180 degrees.

Panel 31 is of larger dimensions than panel 2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and as such allows more food to be carried thereon, but does not allow the completely folded panel to be approximately the size of a regular triangular sandwich.

For use, the user unfolds the eighth fold line 24, then holds the panel adjacent the third 25 and the fourth 26 sides and pulls until the panel assumes a position like shown in FIG. 5. The first fold line 4 has been unfolded approximately 90 degrees, and the third 9 and the fourth 12 fold lines have been unfolded approximately 135 degree until portions 27 and 28 of the panel are approximately parallel and level.

At this point the side walls 33 can be erected by arranging the folds at the third side 25, fourth side 26, fifth side 35 and sixth said 36 accordingly.

If the user wants to use the bib portion 32, the ninth fold line 34 is rotated through an appropriate angle, for example approximately 120 degrees, until the bib portion 32 can be conveniently rested against the user's midriff or chest. This arrangement is shown in FIG. 5.

An adhesive tab (not shown) is provided on the rear side of the bib portion for temporary fixing to the user's clothing.

Whether the user uses the bib portion 32 or not, they then place portions 27 and 28 on their upper thighs, and the trough 3 is positioned between their legs. The user can then use the tray 1 to carry food, and generally perform the functions of a tray.

After use the panel can be folded up again in a reverse of the above-described procedure, or simply disposed of.

It will be appreciated that the lap tray can be altered without departing from the spirit of the invention.

For example in alternative embodiments (not shown) a bib feature can be provided, but no side walls, or side walls can be provided and no bib. Side walls can also be provided at any of the sides, and not just the third and fourth.

In further alternative embodiments (not shown) the panel can be rectangular in shape as opposed to octagonal, or could be constructed from a material other than card or paper, for example a plastics material or wood, and with hinge mechanisms as opposed to fold lines.

In addition, a loose napkin or paper towel can be provided with any of the above described trays which fits between the first hinge line and the second and third hinge lines when the tray is folded up prior to use.

Thus, a lap tray is provided which can be readily used, and which can safely contain food when a user is traveling, or seated in a confined space. Further, the lap tray can be contained in a sandwich pack, and can be re-usable or disposable.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. A tray comprises a panel provided with a trough at its center, in which in use the trough is disposed between a seated user's legs.
 2. A tray as claimed in claim 1 in which the tray is collapsible.
 3. A tray as claimed in claim 2 in which the tray is provided with first hinge line extending from the center of a first side of the panel to the center of a second side of the panel which is opposite to the first side, a second hinge line and a third hinge line on either side of the first hinge line and spaced apart from, parallel to and the same length as the first hinge line, in which the first hinge line folds in one direction and the second and third hinge lines fold in the opposite direction, such that, in use, the tray is arranged as a panel with a triangular trough at its center which is disposed between a seated user's legs, and such that, in use, the tray is folded up when the first, second and third hinge lines are folded approximately 180 degrees.
 4. A tray as claimed in claim 3 in which a fourth hinge line extends from a first end of the second hinge line to a first point on the first hinge line which is spaced from the first side, a fifth hinge line extends from a first end of the third hinge line to said first point, a sixth hinge line extends from a second end of the second hinge line to a second point on the first hinge line which is spaced from the second side and a seventh hinge line extends from a second end of the third hinge line to said second point, thereby dividing the first hinge line into a first side section, a center section and a second side section, and in which the first side section and the second side section fold in one direction, and the center section folds in the opposite direction.
 5. A tray as claimed in claim 4 in which the panel comprises an octagonal panel, in which the second hinge line and the third hinge line are spaced apart the distance of a first side, such that the second hinge line extends from a first end of the first side to the first end of a second side opposite to the first side, and the third hinge line extends from a second end of the first side to a second end of the second side, and in which the first side and the second side are longer in length that the other sides of the octagonal shape.
 6. A tray as claimed in claim 5 in which an eighth hinge line extends from the center of a third side which is normal to the first side, to the center of a fourth side which is opposite to the third side, and in which, in use, the eighth hinge line facilitates the folding in half of the panel when it is folded up.
 7. A tray as claimed in claim 6 in which the first hinge line is approximately 23 cm in length, the fourth hinge line, the fifth hinge line, the sixth hinge line and the seventh hinge line are approximately 12 cm in length, and the distance between the second hinge line and the third hinge line is approximately 17.6 cm in length.
 8. A tray as claimed in claim 1 in which any number of the sides of the panel are provided with collapsible side walls.
 9. A tray as claimed in claim 1 in which a bib portion extends from the second side, by means of a ninth hinge line, and rests against their midriff or chest, in use, and in which the bib portion is provided with hinge lines which mirror at least the first, sixth and seventh hinge lines, such that when the ninth hinge line is folded 180 degrees in use, the bib portion can be folded with the panel.
 10. A tray as claimed in claim 9 in which the bib portion is also provided with hinge lines which mirror the second, third, fourth and fifth fold lines.
 11. A tray as claimed in claim 9 in which an adhesive tab is provided on the bib portion to provide a temporary fixture to the user's clothing in use.
 12. A tray as claimed in claim 1 in which the tray is constructed from a paper or card material which is folded, in use. 